Found Objects

Cruising the Universe

Opening Thursday, Dec. 14 at the KiMo Theater Art Gallery (417 Central Ave. NW) is a new show by two artists, Kerry Bergen and Henry Morales. Together, their work forms the whole that is Cruzando: Travels in a Parallel Universe. Working in different mediums, and drawing inspiration from (terrestrial) travels, and the various cultures that shape their identities, these two artists have created work that blends fantasy and reality in order to create a “dialogue of travel across time [that] connects the viewer with past, present and future worlds.” The formal reception (with snacks courtesy of Whole Foods) runs from 5 to 8pm, but if you can't make it Thursday, pop in to see the show anytime before Feb. 5.

Unconditional Art at Sanitary Tortilla

No bar for entry here—on Friday, Dec. 15, Sanitary Tortilla Factory (401 Second Street SW) invites the community to the gallery for a the formal reception of local artists Cecilia McKinnon and Lance McGoldrick's latest works—Pre-existing Conditions. Dredged from the waste of illegal dump sites around the city, McKinnon and McGoldrick collaborated on these works which explore our varied relationships—in shades of both repulsion (it's trash) and attraction (it's art here)—to society's omnipresent cycles of production and waste. The reception is totally free and open to the public—just head Downtown between 6 and 9pm. Friday night already booked? The show will be on display a few weeks into the new year, shuttering on Jan. 19.

What in the Dickens

Charles Dickens, that is. Love cosplay? Love Christmas? Love classic literature? Ok, maybe you just love Victorian London—regardless, if you check any of these boxes, you might find your dreams taking shape this Friday, Dec. 15 at Holiday Dance Studio (5200 Eubank NE). Between 7 and 10pm the studio will be transformed into the London that the great writer knew during the Charles Dickens Formal Winter Ball. Show up in your holiday finery for a night of refreshments, dancing and cozy holiday feelings. Bring your dancing shoes for a performance by St. Germain, and tuck a gift under your arm to put under the tree for Toys for Tots. $10 at the door buys you entry into another world for the night.

Collected Works

There's a lot happening at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (2401 12th Street NW) this weekend, and, well, always. On Saturday, Dec. 16 head to the center with the kids in tow for the third installation of the ongoing Stories by the Fireside series. This weekend, poets Joseph Bruchac and Jonathan London will weave the tales, the Pueblo Harvest Cafe will provide hot cocoa, and all the materials will be ready for attendees to make their own Christmas ornaments between 5 and 6pm. Get a closer look at the collection on Sunday, Dec. 17 by heading back to the center for A View into the Collection, when, between 1 and 3pm, the collections management specialist will give visitors a special look at rarely seen items, and unpack their significance. Both of these events are free with admission to the museum.